Filipino basketball star Kiefer Ravena is not ruling out a return to the PBA

Filipino basketball star Kiefer Ravena has not played on home soil for nearly five years, having pursued his career overseas in Japan’s B.League with the Shiga Lakestars and Yokohama B-Corsairs.

Ravena recently joined fans and journalists for a live viewing of the Japan B.League Finals between Ryukyu and Utsunomiya at Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City. The 31-year-old opened up about his future, noting that he had just been re-signed by Yokohama, extending his stay in Japan—a journey that began in 2021.

The Filipino point guard also revealed that he is not closing the door on a return to the Philippines and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the near future.

Kiefer Ravena is staying with the Yokohama B-Corsairs next season in the Japanese B.League and he’s certainly excited. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/MVK7tnDfiv

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 25, 2025

“I’m just doing my part by growing the game. I’m sharing my knowledge when it comes to basketball. Of course, my biggest success is the lives I’ve helped and the careers I’ve contributed to. It’s exciting. I have one more year in Yokohama. Let’s see where basketball takes me—whether or not I return to the Philippines, play in the PBA again, if my body can still handle it,” Ravena said to the media.

Ravena last played in the PBA in 2021 for the NLEX Road Warriors, who still hold his rights. His stint was cut short due to a FIBA-related suspension and his subsequent move to Japan.

“It was short-lived—suspension, the pandemic, and then I had to focus on my career and aim for a better future. That’s where Japan came in, and I’m very appreciative of that. I don’t take it for granted,” he added.

Japan has become a top overseas destination for Filipino basketball standouts, with seven more prominent players currently playing in the league. These include Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Kai Sotto, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr., Roosevelt Adams, and Geo Chiu.

“I think that’s the way to go. If you want to put things into perspective, that’s where you’ll see the level of local talent—if you can produce players who can compete in the top leagues in the world,” Ravena concluded.

The NLEX Road Warriors’ management will hope that Ravena returns to the PBA once his contract with Yokohama ends, as he remains one of the country’s premier guards.

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